In Arlington, a model for nation

WHAT PRESIDENTS Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy wanted a half century ago was in the cacophony of the Brackett Elementary School gymnasium. It was 7:40 a.m., not yet an hour after sunrise and still 35 minutes before the start of school. About 50 second- and third-graders sprung into action as Kidz Bop cover songs blasted out of a boom box.

Some youths did sit-ups. Some rapidly tiptoed along an agility ladder. Others crab-walked and bear-walked. Others did squat jumps. Lead physical education teacher Guy Schiavone stopped the music. The children ran to another station. Music on. The boys and girls did step-ups, jumped rope, and ran exuberant laps around all the other stations. Their joyous shouting and stomping competed with the music.